Dr. John Kelleher launches his new book and Machine Learning

On the 25th of September 2015 Dr. John Kelleher, lecturer in the DIT School of Computing and manager of the AIRC, launched a new book on machine learning. Dr. Kelleher co-authored the book with former colleague Dr. Brian McNamee of UCD and Aoife D’Arcy of the Analytics Store. The book is entitled:

The textbook, which was launched in Newman House this week, serves as an introduction to the key machine learning methods used in predictive data analytics. The book covers both theoretical concepts and practical applications for using machine learning for predictive data analytics and includes explanatory worked examples and case studies which aim to illustrate these examples in a broader business context.‌

The new publication is informed by Dr. Kelleher’s years of experience of teaching machine learning and working on various data analytics projects Speaking about the process of writing it, Kelleher and McNamee revealed that parts of the text had been devised whilst they were out surfing in Donegal, with the concept of learning to surf even serving as an illustrative model within the book itself.

Speaking after the launch Dr. Kelleher said:

“We set out to write a machine learning book that was relevant and accessible, and I believe we have achieved that. The book covers the complete life-cycle of a predictive analytics project, from business problem through to model deployment and maintenance. At the same time, it provides comprehensive explanations of the most important machine learning algorithms. I am particularly proud of the fact that throughout the book we have provided detailed and complete worked examples. These examples are the most direct way of illustrating how machine learning theory can be used to solve concrete real-world problems.”